According to the latest research conducted by Unmanned Airspace and the Global AAM/UAM Market Map, planned and committed expenditure on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure in East Asia and North America has surged to nearly USD 450 million over the past four months. Significant AAM investments are also being made in the Middle East. In contrast, Europe’s investment in vertiports, AAM traffic management systems, and other ground infrastructure remains significantly lower than in other global regions.
The Pivotal Role of Local Authorities in AAM Development
Commenting on the findings, Philip Butterworth-Hayes, the lead researcher, emphasized:
“Over the past few months, the most significant differentiator between the rapidly expanding AAM regions and others has been the role of local authorities in laying the foundation for AAM infrastructure projects.”
In the United States, multiple states and regions—including Oklahoma, Maryland, Michigan, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, New York, and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma—have announced AAM development strategies, integrating AAM into their broader transportation plans. This proactive approach facilitates standardization of regulations and streamlines the approval process for vertiport construction, thereby attracting greater investment.
Similarly, in China, over 15 cities and regions are actively engaged in route planning, procurement of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), and identification of vertiport locations for future development. This bottom-up approach, whereby local governments take the initiative, ensures that regulatory frameworks and urban planning standards are seamlessly integrated. This strategy stands in contrast to the top-down, industry-led initiatives observed in other parts of the world, which often face regulatory and logistical challenges.
Substantial Financial Commitments to AAM Infrastructure
Several of these locally led AAM initiatives extend beyond preliminary discussions and have progressed into concrete investment plans.
In the United States, the state of Oklahoma has allocated approximately USD 35 million this year towards vertiports and advanced air traffic management technologies, with a strategic focus on:
- Medical and emergency transport, including patient and equipment transfers
- Search-and-rescue operations in remote or inaccessible areas
- Law enforcement support through aerial surveillance and rapid response
Meanwhile, in China, the city of Shenzhen has committed 12 billion yuan (USD 1.7 billion) towards infrastructure for the low-altitude economy over the next two years. Shenzhen aims to establish over 1,200 take-off and landing platforms for air taxis and drones by 2026, solidifying its position as a global leader in AAM infrastructure investment.
Butterworth-Hayes underscored the disparity in vertiport development across regions:
- East Asia: 218 vertiports are currently planned or under construction.
- Middle East: 41 vertiports are in development.
- Europe: Merely 13 vertiports, most of which will be utilized for research and demonstration rather than for commercial operations by 2025 or 2026.
Europe’s Dependence on Existing Aviation Infrastructure
In Europe and North America, the initial wave of vertiport development will predominantly leverage existing aviation infrastructure, such as airports and heliports. This reliance on traditional facilities may hinder the rapid scalability of AAM services.
Conversely, in East Asia, where general aviation has a less established presence, approximately 75% of new vertiports will be purpose-built within or adjacent to urban centers. This urban-centric model enables a more seamless integration of air taxi services and advanced aerial mobility solutions into city transportation networks.
Despite the rapid global advancements in AAM infrastructure, Europe continues to lag significantly behind the United States and China. This disparity is largely attributed to a lack of proactive engagement from local authorities and delays in regulatory adaptation. Without substantial policy reforms and increased investment, Europe risks falling behind in the race to develop the next-generation urban air mobility ecosystem.
Cre: Urban Air Mobility News
